Eddie Howe and the Man United Job: Interest or Indifference Amid Roy Keane Backing?
Despite vocal public support from Manchester United legend Roy Keane, the narrative around Eddie Howe’s interest in becoming the next Manchester United manager is far from straightforward — and recent developments suggest that any move to Old Trafford remains unlikely, at least for now. (ESPN.com)
With Manchester United currently in a transitional phase following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, the club is actively evaluating its options for a long-term managerial appointment. Interim management has been placed in the hands of Darren Fletcher while other former players, including Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick, are also being discussed for temporary roles. (ESPN.com)
Roy Keane’s Endorsement
Roy Keane, speaking as a pundit on Sky Sports, has strongly endorsed Eddie Howe as a top candidate for the permanent position at Old Trafford. Keane highlighted several key qualities he believes make Howe an ideal fit:
- Experience and success in the Premier League, with stints at both Bournemouth and Newcastle United.
- A calm, composed demeanor — something Keane argues United desperately needs in the wake of recent managerial instability.
- A track record of guiding teams into the Champions League and winning domestic trophies. (ESPN.com)
These credentials are precisely why Keane feels Howe deserves serious consideration for the United job, especially given the club’s history of rapid managerial turnover since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. (ESPN.com)
Howe’s Response: Loyal to Newcastle
Despite the buzz around his name, Eddie Howe himself has been clear in recent comments that he’s fully committed to Newcastle United. Asked about speculation over the Manchester United vacancy, he reiterated that his focus remains firmly on his current project at St James’ Park. He emphasised his dedication to preparing his team, dismissing outside rumours as irrelevant to his day-to-day work. (Sports Mole)
This stance is significant for several reasons:
- Howe’s commitment to Newcastle seems genuine, not merely a diplomatic answer to prohibit rumors.
- His success with the Magpies — including guiding them into European competition and winning a major domestic trophy — gives him credibility both at his current club and in discussions about potential future roles. (Sports Mole)
The Broader Picture at United
The context of United’s managerial search adds nuance to the Howe debate. The club has cycled through a string of managers in recent years, and there’s a growing sentiment among some pundits and former players that stability — not just tactical philosophy — should be the priority in choosing the next boss. Keane’s endorsement reflects this view. (ESPN.com)
That said, the board and ownership may not share a singular vision, especially with contrasting voices like Gary Neville also weighing in with alternative candidates and criteria they believe United should prioritise. (Sky Sports)
So, Is Howe Interested?
The current evidence suggests no concrete indication that Eddie Howe is actively interested in the Manchester United job. While he undoubtedly remains a high-profile candidate thanks to his track record and public endorsements from figures like Keane, his own public statements point to a strong commitment to Newcastle and contentment with his current role. (Sports Mole)
In short, the allure of Old Trafford may be real for some — especially United legends advocating for a stabilising figure — but Howe himself appears focused on continuing his work on Tyneside, not jumping at the first big managerial opening that comes his way. (Sports Mole)
The drama around Manchester United’s managerial vacancy is likely to continue in the coming months, but for now, Eddie Howe’s intentions remain clear: his eyes are on Newcastle, not Old Trafford.
